FIXED How bad was the bullpen last year? "We knew we were done 20 games into the season," one Brave says. Now the pen boasts closer Bob Wickman and setup men Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, all acquired since July. "Last spring, we had no idea who was going to fill seven bullpen spots," says Bobby Cox. "Now some good pitchers won't make our team." Adds starter Tim Hudson, "It's such a good feeling to know those guys are in your back pocket." Gonzalez, who was 24-for-24 in save opportunities for the '06 Pirates, will gladly set up for a chance at "a taste of October." When was the last time he pitched in a game that mattered? "Never," Gonzalez says.

NEEDS FIXING Cox threw every name short of Mark Lemke's into the 2B competition. The winner is OF Kelly Johnson. He hits lefty, gets on base and can run, which also makes him the choice to fill another key hole: leadoff man. As for the hole at first created by the Adam LaRoche trade, the Braves are putting a lot of faith in rookie Scott Thorman. "He swings it hard," says Chipper Jones. "He's the closest we've had to Ryan Klesko. I have to tone him down a little."
-- Tim Kurkjian